Four teenagers are facing serious criminal charges after a man was left unconscious and fighting for his life on a downtown Binghamton sidewalk.
What Happened
The Binghamton Police Department responded Monday night to reports of an unconscious man lying on the sidewalk in downtown Binghamton. A 45-year-old man had been punched and kicked by a group of five young males while walking alone around 9:30 p.m.
The victim, who had no permanent address, was rushed to the hospital. He remains in critical condition with serious injuries to his head and body. His name has not been released.
Who Are the Suspects
Police identified all five teen suspects by Tuesday and took them into custody. The suspects are all male residents of Binghamton between the ages of 13 and 15. Their names were not released due to their ages.
Two 15-year-olds and two 14-year-olds were formally charged with attempted murder in the second degree. They were arraigned in Broome County Centralized Arraignment Part Court and sent to a secure juvenile detention facility in Syracuse.
The 13-year-old suspect was released to his guardian. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
The Disturbing Motive
What makes this case especially alarming is the reason behind the attack. Investigators said the teens did not know the victim at all. Instead, they were motivated by a social media trend of recording violent attacks on homeless or drug-addicted individuals and posting the videos online.
The victim was specifically targeted because he was alone and vulnerable — not because of any prior conflict.
Why This Matters
This case is part of a growing and dangerous trend seen across the United States where young people are filming violent attacks on homeless individuals for social media attention. Law enforcement officials are urging parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and online interactions.
What You Can Do
If you have any information about this case, contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau at 607-772-7080.
